Teenager Charged in Plainfield Stabbing Death

PLAINFIELD — A 14-year-old Plainfield resident was charged earlier today with the murder of a city man that occurred on Tuesday evening, Union County First Assistant Prosecutor Albert Cernadas, Jr. announced.

The Plainfield Police Division arrested the teenager several hours after he allegedly stabbed the victim near 38 Watchung Avenue, according to Cernadas. An investigation by the Union County Homicide Task Force was able to determine the type of vehicle the teenager was riding in, and when the car was spotted on the streets, the teenager was taken into custody. He was formally charged earlier today, but his name was not released because of his age.

It is unclear what prompted the 7 p.m. attack, but the victim was taken to a local hospital where he later died, said Cernadas. At the present time the members of the Homicide Task Force are still attempting to identify the victim and notify next of kin, said Cernadas.

This remains an active investigation and the teenager is being held at the Union County Juvenile Detention Center.

These criminal charges are mere accusations; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.